BOSTON – The leading health insurers in Massachusetts say the state overstepped its authority when it rejected their proposed premium increases for policies held by small businesses.

During a hearing Thursday in Suffolk Superior Court, they asked a judge to issue a temporary injunction overruling the rejection. They also asked that the premiums be put into effect while a trial is held.

An attorney for the six companies says they face “losses that will be destabilizing.”

A state attorney said that the industry is misreading the rejection and did not seek a required hearing before heading to court.

Judge Stephen Neel promised a decision by the close of business Monday.

State regulators had rejected the rates after Gov. Deval L. Patrick said double-digit premium increases were preventing small businesses from adding jobs. The insurers say their premiums can’t be capped without similar limits on their costs.